Having forged strong links with BMC in the process of developing the successful Austin-Healey 100, Donald Healey turned his attention to designing a smaller version intended to make sports car motoring affordable to a wider sector of the market. Raiding the BMC parts bin for suitable components, Healey used Austin’s 948cc A-Series engine; the front suspension and rear axle of the A30/35; the Morris Minor’s steering rack and an MG twin master cylinder. Although its powertrain and running gear were entirely conventional, as well as thoroughly tried and tested, Healey’s new baby was notable for its state-of-the-art unitary construction body/chassis. The latter consisted of a central tub braced by front and rear bulkheads, deep sills and a large transmission tunnel, thus creating a simple yet admirably stiff structure. Outriggers supported the engine and front suspension, while the rear axle located directly on the tub itself. Christened ‘Sprite’, the new sports car entered production in March 1958 featuring a distinctive forward-hinging bonnet/wings topped by two fixed ‘frog-eye’ headlamps, thus ensuring instant recognition and the now-familiar nickname. Despite a Spartan equipment level - even the front bumper was listed as an extra! - the ‘Frog Eye’ sold well, which was not really surprising as there was nothing competing with it either on price or performance. Dating from the final year of MkI production and in continual use for the past ten years, this example of Britain’s best loved and most instantly recognisable small sports car underwent restoration between 1995 and 1998, and was refurbished again in 2002. The car incorporates a number of desirable modifications including a Weber carburettor, modern seats, roll bar and alloy wheels. Benefiting from new tyres, it comes complete with hood, side screens, spare wheel, tonneau cover and its original set of wheels. Finished in maroon with red interior, the car is offered with assorted expired MoTs, road fund licence to April 2006, MoT to May 2006 and Swansea V5 registration document.
Having forged strong links with BMC in the process of developing the successful Austin-Healey 100, Donald Healey turned his attention to designing a smaller version intended to make sports car motoring affordable to a wider sector of the market. Raiding the BMC parts bin for suitable components, Healey used Austin’s 948cc A-Series engine; the front suspension and rear axle of the A30/35; the Morris Minor’s steering rack and an MG twin master cylinder. Although its powertrain and running gear were entirely conventional, as well as thoroughly tried and tested, Healey’s new baby was notable for its state-of-the-art unitary construction body/chassis. The latter consisted of a central tub braced by front and rear bulkheads, deep sills and a large transmission tunnel, thus creating a simple yet admirably stiff structure. Outriggers supported the engine and front suspension, while the rear axle located directly on the tub itself. Christened ‘Sprite’, the new sports car entered production in March 1958 featuring a distinctive forward-hinging bonnet/wings topped by two fixed ‘frog-eye’ headlamps, thus ensuring instant recognition and the now-familiar nickname. Despite a Spartan equipment level - even the front bumper was listed as an extra! - the ‘Frog Eye’ sold well, which was not really surprising as there was nothing competing with it either on price or performance. Dating from the final year of MkI production and in continual use for the past ten years, this example of Britain’s best loved and most instantly recognisable small sports car underwent restoration between 1995 and 1998, and was refurbished again in 2002. The car incorporates a number of desirable modifications including a Weber carburettor, modern seats, roll bar and alloy wheels. Benefiting from new tyres, it comes complete with hood, side screens, spare wheel, tonneau cover and its original set of wheels. Finished in maroon with red interior, the car is offered with assorted expired MoTs, road fund licence to April 2006, MoT to May 2006 and Swansea V5 registration document.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
